Concrete tips

How temperature affects curing times

Experts agree that ideally concrete should cure for 7 days at temperatures between 65-85°F under 100% humidity. However, even the most conscientious builder knows this is simply not possible in most cases.

What can maturity testing do to help improve concrete quality in non-ideal climates? Because maturity testing also tracks temperature history during the critical early-age curing process, it is often possible to take valuable steps to improve the cure before problems develop. For example, heat can be applied when it is shown that the concrete is getting too cold, thus ensuring completion of the hydration reaction needed for proper strength gain. Conversely, it has been proven that adding too much heat is detrimental to long-term durability and can lead to lower ultimate strengths, so taking steps to prevent overheating is also beneficial. Plus, if the contractor can avoid adding heat when it's not necessary, the savings add up very quickly.

COLD WEATHER APPLICATIONS

HOT WEATHER APPLICATIONS

Do you need to accelerate the curing process in the dead of winter? Using maturity testing will give you a clear idea of just how much heat you will need to add to obtain the needed strength in the shortest time possible.

Concrete gives off heat as it cures, and often a satisfactory cure can be obtained merely by covering the slab or wall with an insulating blanket. Also, covering keeps needed moisture in - particularly helpful in cold, dry climates.

In many cases, contractors can save a tremendous amount of money simply by turning off external heaters once the maturity system shows it's not necessary. One contractor reported saving more than $5000 in one weekend because he knew the structure had obtained sufficient strength.

Some mixes can tolerate heat better than others. With maturity testing, one can monitor the performance of concrete cured at high temperatures to ensure sufficient strength. For example, some high-early strength mixes cure very well at high temperatures (sometimes as high as 170° F!).

Curing the initial lab cylinders at high temperature (as tracked by the maturity meter) will give a clear picture of the actual performance under high temperature field conditions, and can identify potential problems before the job starts.

The Maturity Method of estimating in-place concrete strength has been studied for more than 50 years, and as a result, the science of concrete curing is well understood. Since 1987, it has been an ASTM Standard Practice (C1074). More Information

We’re very honest about the pros and cons of the various types of maturity systems on the market today. We’ve been in this business since 1995, which gives us a great deal of experience in what makes a maturity system an accurate, user-friendly, and reliable tool. More Information

RH DETERMINATOR Quickly and inexpensively determine concrete moisture content using reusable sensors. This design is the cure for the constant “99%” readings from other manufacturers!
ASTM F2170More Information

The Con-Cure System has been used on thousands of projects worldwide, since 1995. We firmly adhere to the philosophy that we don’t need to be the biggest company to be successful--only the best. Learn more about who we are and what makes us your best choice in the maturity meter marketplace.More Information